Emily Bates makes Brisbane Lions history by winning the club’s inaugural AFLW best and fairest

BRISBANE midfielder Emily Bates has made Lions history by claiming the club’s first ever best and fairest award. SEE WHO FINISHED IN THE TOP 10

Emily Bates has made Lions history by winning the first ever Brisbane AFLW best and fairest award. Picture: Getty

EMILY Bates claimed another piece of Brisbane Lions history by winning the inaugural women’s club championship on Friday night.

Midfielder Bates, who was also the club’s first draft pick, and ruck forward Sabrina Frederick-Traub were the standouts vote winners at the gala event at the Pullman Hotel.

Bates was judged best-on-ground five times on her way to 114 votes. Frederick-Traub (104) was considered the best player in the Grand Final.

Captain Emma Zielke was well back in third place on 86, ahead of a tight clump of players including Samantha Virgo (85), Megan Hunt (84), Kate Lutkins (83) and Leah Kaslar (81).

Emily Bates has made Lions history by winning the first ever Brisbane AFLW best and fairest award. Picture: Getty

Tayla Harris, Kaitlyn Ashmore and Jamie Stanton rounded out the top ten.

Bates was also named the players’ player.

The award for most courageous went to Lutkins while Kaslar was voted most professional.

The members MVP was Kate McCarthy.

Samantha Virgo also won the All For One award as the player who best represented the club’s values.

Originally published as Emily Bates makes Brisbane Lions history by winning the club’s inaugural AFLW best and fairest